Iron Monoxide
Overview
Iron Monoxide (FeO) is a transition-metal oxide formed under low oxygen conditions. Though rarely stable on Earth-like worlds, it occurs naturally in meteoritic crusts and volcanic vents. In the Continuum, its presence in an atmosphere is a harbinger of metallic storms and forge-world climates.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Iron monoxide consists of divalent iron (Fe²āŗ) bound to oxygen, forming a basic oxide. It oxidizes further to FeāOā or FeāOā upon exposure to air. In plasma environments such as Ignispheric worlds, vaporized FeO emits green light and conducts psionic currentāforming āiron rain.ā
Phases
- **Solid:** Mineral wüstite, dark and magnetic.
- **Vapor:** Found as metallic fume in plasma vents or stellar forges.
- **Condensate:** Magnetic dust settling after divine smelting storms.
Uses and Occurrences
- Indicator of reducing atmospheres and molten metal cycles.
- Ingredient in divine forges, symbolizing balance between order (metal) and decay (oxide).
- Observed in the atmospheres of volcanic PermianLike and Ignispheric worlds.
Related Atmospheres
Trivia
- The term āiron rainā originates from divine chronicles describing molten droplets condensing in the upper forges of Ignispheric planets.
- FeO crystals retain weak psionic magnetism, used in constructing memory compasses.